TokuNation has another dose of classic toku from Jinzo Ningen Kikaider! But we aren't look at our titular hero or his arch nemesis this time, but instead Kikaider's trusty ride, S.H. Figuarts Side Machine! This will be a fairly quick and simple review over all.

Packaging
Continuing the trend set by S.H. Figuarts Kikaider & Hakaider,Side Machine likewise features an excellent minimalistic type of box art. It's incredible how this such simply executed artwork has worked for the Kikader line so far, I'm sure the upcoming White Crow & Kikaider 01 will also carry this style forward. I think at this point though Side Machine is my favorite of the current releases. And of course the box is much larger than the other 2, mostly because Side Machine is a massive bike, though Kikaider & Hakaider do have rather tiny boxes as far as Figuarts go.

Main Figure
Straight out of the box S.H. Figuarts Side Machine is ready to go, no assembly required. And as with vehicles released previously in the S.H. Figuarts line, Side Machine is gorgeous. I think at this point Side Machine is hand's down my favorite SHF bike ever. Kamen Rider bikes have been where it's at for so long now, but Side Machine just looks incredible. It's a complete breath of fresh air.

The detailing is absolutely out of the park. For a toy based on a vehicle from 1972 this thing looks even more technologically superior than most rider machines do. Frankly the Figurat looks better than the bike used on set. The engine detailing is some of my favorite in the line, but where Side machine really looks sharp is actually on the handlebars. The gauges to be specific. Though they're decals and not paint apps, their quality reminds me very much of Kamen Rider Gaim Orange Arms which uses decals to great effect for small details. Overall the sculpt is just so sharp and accurate though.

My one complaint might be that it's a bit hard to get Kikaider into a riding pose on Side machine. Kikaider has some range of motion issues that can make it a bit difficult, but fiddle with him enough and you'll find a position to settle on. I'd level the same nitpick at the sidecar only because certain figures with wider hips or skirt armor may not be able to fit into it. Kikaider himself has decent trouble fitting into the side car. By the way before the question's asked the side car is not removable, nor really does it need to be.

Accessories
Short and sweet, Side Machine includes only 2 things:

2 - replacement handlebars. Like almost all rider bikes that have come before it, 2 additional handlebars identical to those already attached are included.

1 - set of licensed Kawasaki decals! This is perhaps the greatest accessory you could ever hope for with this release. This is of course relevant because the Side Machine, and therefore the actual prop used on the set, was based on a Kawasaki GT 500 Mach III! These licensed emblems allow you to give this machine that real world flare if you so choose. I truly did not expect a bonus like this. I'm not likely to use them, but their inclusion is top notch.

Final Thoughts
Based on the merits of just the figure itself, S.H. Figuarts Side Machine may seem like an easy pass if you aren't a Kikaider collector like myself. However if you are, it is a MUST own. A gorgeously detailed vehicle, Side Machine is easily one of the best if not the best bike in the S.H. Figuarts line. More than any other released so far I feel it really lives up to it's real world counterpart. We'll be back in a next month with a Hakaider vehicle gallery, S.H. Figuarts White Crow!

One thing I'm a bit perplexed about, and maybe someone will be able to answer, but why include the optional sticker decals rather than just painting them on? Is there a version of the Side Machine without them, like a vintage toy or something?